Which is the Most Important Component?

When I’m talking about the Dynamic Components of Personal Power I’m sometimes asked which component is the most important. It would be easy to say all of them. If pressed, I’d say DISCIPLINE…

Here’s a quick primer for those who aren’t familiar with my philosophy:

I’ve spent over 20 years practicing, studying and teaching martial arts. A good description for what we know today as martial arts would be “the art of power”. Whether we’re trying to improve a punch or kick, or develop a deeper understanding of the potential of the mind and spirit, we’re really talking about the development and application of power.

Power is our capacity to act and perform effectively. Power is our capacity to produce results.

As I learned more about power in martial arts I realized that the same principles at work in the “dojo” (training hall) would work in real life as well. I developed Dynamic Components of Personal Power to organize these principles and apply them in my personal and business life. I started writing and speaking to share these ideas with others.

Here’s a paragraph from my book that explains the Dynamic Components:

“Power is expressed effectively when you control three basic components: balance, focus and timing. You develop power through motivation, discipline and time. The sources of human power are body, mind and spirit; in order to cultivate power you need to constantly develop and nurture your body, your mind and your spirit.”

That’s it!

I’ve organized the “Components” into three simple “Triangles”. The Power Triangle shows how power is applied; its components are:

Balance Focus Timing The Kung Fu Triangle organizes the three components necessary to develop personal power; they are:

Motivation Discipline Time The Energy Triangle contains the sources of human power and energy:

Body Mind Spirit Of course, like anything simple, developing power is not easy. The cultivation, development and application of power requires dedication, practice and perseverance.

So, which “Component” is the most important? If I’ve got to pick one, I’ll say: DISCIPLINE.

Discipline is the creation and application of habits that will contribute to your success. Discipline is what you rely on when motivation starts to fade. Discipline is what keeps you going when the going gets tough, when you face failure, adversity and pain.

Most of all, discipline is your edge when the other people lack the stamina to stay in the race.

Martial artists like to talk a lot about “secrets”. The legends of martial arts is full of stories of secret techniques, secret powers and secret teachings.

The real “secret” of the martial arts is PRACTICE, through practice you create DISCIPLINE, and through DISCIPLINE you generate power and success.



Which is the Most Important Component? - To learn more about this author, visit Jim Bouchard's Website.

Like this article? Share it with your friends

E-Mail | Print | More

Related Articles
Successful Sales Techniques
	Sales technique can be improved on almost anyone. A successful selling technique is based upon three factors: winning attitudes, essential sales skills and the “people skills” upon which the sales skills are bui...
Selling Techniques 101
	Selling techniques can be improved on almost anyone. A successful selling technique is based upon three factors: winning attitudes, essential sales skills and the “people skills” upon which the sales skills are ...
The Science of Differentiation
	There is enough evidence in the annals of branding to convince even the most skeptical small business owner that differentiation is a critical component of building a successful brand – yet there are very few that e...
Management Skills
	Running a business is not just about doing whatever it takes to keep things going. In order to turn your business from an ordinary one in an extraordinary one, you need to take control. That means acquiring the lead...
Organizing For Growth
	It has been a long time since I read the most extraordinary business book I have ever read, Organizing For Growth by Theodore Levitt.

---

Related Forum Posts
	Import / Export Business
	The 50 Most Important People on the Web
	It’s enssential
	She Wins, You Win: The Most Important Rules Every Businesswo
	Succeeding With Search
	Patricia Handschiegel - Stylehive